I had a meltdown at my (secret future husband) partner’s house tonight when his sister was grilling us Interogation style about a house and land we bought this year together and live in with friends. I went into freeze/fawn/people pleaser for a moment and then noticed how TERRIBLE it felt to have someone make me feel like I need to defend my (amazing, btw) life choices.

I jumped out of my chair and ran to the bathroom and cried.

Then the dog came and got me.

Then I came out of the bathroom and sat on the floor playing with the dog, embarrassed and not sure how to even say one word without bursting into tears.

Luckily my sweety noticed and helped me escape to check in with me.

I was able to tell him exactly how I felt and he understood, supported be, and was so sweet. He gave me a big, firm, shoulder squeezing hug and validated me.

I told him I would be fine and process my feelings soon and could hang out with everyone tomorrow, but I couldn’t go back up there with the sister and everyone else and pretend it was fine without my body shutting down.

I decided to have him tell everyone I had diarrhea and had to go home 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

Worked like a charm.

Now I’m home alone, with the dog, recovering instead of socializing.

THANK YOU DIARRHEA!

also: who else has trouble when family members grill you about your life choices and you feel like you have to frantically defend yourself???

I feel very proud that I was able to recognize it and eject myself.

YAY ME.